'Basically he was struck down last Thursday by ALF, (Acute Liver Failure). He was put on Life Support and yesterday (Tuesday) received a new liver in a eight hour operation, his only chance to live.

'Presently the vital signs are good but he has yet to wake up...hopefully today. '

Don Brooke say that 'the local support has been great from Paul Cayard and his team Artemis Racing, and other boys from Oracle.

'I feel very humble--- Laurent Esquier has personally supported our family as if he were my uncle!

'The yachting family is just great....Please acknowledge as it raises the bar of our sport'

At the time of his collapse, Brooke was working in the key role of Tender Fleet manager, with Artemis Racing, the Swedish America's Cup Challenger. Brooke had competed in several Round the World races and America's Cups, before moving into boat and team management.

He hails from one of Auckland's best known sailing dynasties the Brooke and Salthouse families, who have covered at least three generations covering boatbuilding, design and administration. Several family members have competed at the Volvo OR, Whitbread Round the World race and America's Cup levels. His cousins Rob and Chris Salthouse are with Emirates Team NZ's current America's Cup campaign

Needless to say the thoughts and prayers of the whole sailing community are with David, his family and Artemis Racing at this time.